SAN DIEGO, CA – The magic kingdom turned sour for Renan Dias Da Rocha Gomes, 32, of Brazil, who was sentenced to 15 months in federal prison today for a brazen wire fraud scheme that drained over $260,000 from The Walt Disney Company. Gomes, a former merchandise host aboard the Disney Wonder cruise ship, wasn’t buying souvenirs for guests; he was lining his own pockets.
Federal Bureau of Investigation and Homeland Security Investigations agents swooped in on October 27, 2017, as the Disney Wonder docked in San Diego. The investigation revealed that from at least October 2015 through his arrest, Gomes exploited his access to Disney’s online payment system to siphon funds onto Disney gift cards. It wasn’t a slow drip; Gomes racked up approximately $260,000 in unauthorized charges.
The feds weren’t empty-handed when they searched Gomes’ cabin. They seized approximately 217 gift cards, a stolen watch, and $1,240 in cold, hard cash. But the most galling detail? Gomes didn’t just stash the money. He used $37,700 of the stolen funds to treat his family to a lavish Disney World vacation between April 23 and May 7, 2017. Approximately $8,200 went to lodging, and a staggering $29,500 was blown on food, drinks, merchandise, and entertainment. Talk about adding insult to injury.
U.S. Attorney Adam L. Braverman didn’t mince words. “Today’s sentence should remind the public that the U.S. Attorney’s Office is committed to protecting consumers and enforcing the law against employees who embezzle funds from their employers for their own personal benefit,” he stated. The court ordered Gomes to pay full restitution to Disney, and to forfeit the stolen watch and cash. The penalty extends beyond finances; Gomes, who entered the U.S. on a temporary visa, will be deported to Brazil after serving his sentence.
FBI Special Agent in Charge John A. Brown emphasized the bureau’s dedication to fighting fraud. “The FBI is committed to identifying, investigating, and bringing those responsible for fraudulent criminal activity to justice,” Brown said. “We want to encourage San Diego citizens and businesses alike to report suspicious or fraudulent activity to the FBI.”
Gomes was convicted on Count 1: Wire Fraud (18 U.S.C. § 1343). He faced a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison, a $250,000 fine, and three years of supervised release. While the sentence landed at 15 months, it’s a harsh reminder that even on the high seas, crime doesn’t pay. Criminal Case No. 17CR3897-CAB. Investigating agencies included the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Homeland Security Investigations, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and U.S. Customs and Border Protection.
Related Federal Cases
- Sullivan Swiped $275K in Running Gear · Kansas
- GotPrint Controller Swiped $2.8M, Gets 7+ Years · California
- Inmate Scheme Nets Mother-Son Duo Prison Time · California
- OC Duo Ripped Off Seniors in $2.2M Mortgage Scam · California
- O.C. Surgeon Takes Bribe Cash, Gets 2+ Years · California
Key Facts
- State: California
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: White Collar Crime
- Source: Official Source ↗
🔒 Get the grimiest stories delivered weekly. Subscribe free →
Browse More
MORE FEDERAL CRIME NEWS
White Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar CrimeWhite Collar Crime